In Heihe, Heilongjiang Province, which borders Russia, the procedure for issuing temporary driving licences to Russian citizens has been significantly simplified. Now, the document can be processed within just one day instead of three, Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS, reports, citing the city administration.

According to the Heihe authorities, the first person to use the updated system was a resident of Blagoveshchensk. He arrived in the city at noon and received his temporary driving licence by the evening, something that was previously impossible.

Previously, obtaining a licence required several stages: translation and notarisation of documents, obtaining a notarial certificate, submitting an application to the transport department, and waiting for the result. Now, the procedure has been reduced to a single visit – the applicant contacts a notary and then immediately receives the completed licence at the service window of the department.

The Heihe administration noted that the measure not only reduces the time and costs for Russian citizens but also enhances the comfort of their stay in China for those working and living in the country. In addition, the new regulation aims to strengthen humanitarian and trade-economic ties between the two states.

From 15 September 2025 to 14 September 2026, China operates a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens. As previously stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian side will respond to this measure in a reciprocal manner.

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